Exploring Restaurant Technologies in Hotels: A Conversation with Scot Turner of Auden Hospitality

The podcast episode hosts Scot Turner, founder of Auden Hospitality, a global advisory business based in the UK that assists hoteliers in improving their food and beverage operations. Turner discusses the importance of restaurant technology in hotels and its potential to enhance both revenues and guest experiences. He suggests that hotels should make their restaurant operations separate from the rest and learn from independent restaurants. They should focus on digital experiences as much as physical ones and calls for greater personalization and automation in customer service. Turner also advocates for the implementation of QR ordering and the installation of digital menu boards to enhance customer engagement. Other topics discussed include user generated content and its role in increasing brand visibility, the impact of foodie and Instagram culture, the shift in F&B operations in hotels over the years, and the opportunity to modernize F&B in hotels to match guest expectations.

00:02 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:56 The Evolution of F&B in Hotels
03:12 The Shift in Hotel Dining Trends
03:58 The Importance of Innovation in Hotel Dining
07:05 The Impact of Social Media on Hotel Dining
12:48 The Importance of Creating Memorable Dining Experiences
16:08 The Role of Local Community in Hotel Dining
17:30 The Pros and Cons of Partnering with Local Brands
21:37 The Challenges and Rewards of Longstanding Relationships
21:50 The Importance of Tech in the Guest Experience
22:58 The Impact of Modern Food Delivery Services
23:29 The Digital Experience in the Restaurant Industry
24:22 The Power of QR Codes and Digital Ordering
25:16 The Role of Tech in Enhancing Guest Experience
29:08 The Future of Tech in the Hotel Industry
31:09 The Importance of Personalization in Guest Experience
38:32 The Role of Tech in Non-Traditional Food Service
43:39 The Future of Tech in the Restaurant Industry